Abuse Crimes

Baltimore Abuse Crimes Attorney

An allegation of abuse in Maryland is a serious matter, with the power to ruin your reputation and relationship. It could also end up resulting in criminal charges, which could leave you with a potentially lengthy jail sentence, as well as a permanent criminal record.

At the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., our Baltimore criminal lawyer represents those who have been falsely accused of committing abuse crimes. There are few other criminal matters that evoke as strong a reaction as these types of crime do. When facing these charges, you need aggressive representation to ensure a strong legal defense.

Types of Abuse Crimes Under Maryland Laws

There are a variety of different classifications of abuse crimes listed under the Maryland State Statutes. Many of these stem from personal relationships with children, spouses, or other household members, as well as from caregiving duties for elderly or vulnerable adults.

In addition to costing you the esteem of your friends and loved ones, charges or even accusations of abuse can result in the loss of custody of your children, the breakup of your marriage, and the loss of your job, career or educational opportunities. If you are accused or arrested and charged with any of these crimes, you need professional legal help right away.

Maryland criminal laws define criminal abuse as cruel or inhumane treatment or a physical act which harms or threatens to harm another’s health or welfare. At the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., we represent clients facing the following types of charges:

Domestic Abuse, including allegations of sexual violence and other acts of assault and other abuse committed against a spouse or other members of the household;

Child Abuse, which includes allegations of physical or sexual assault or other acts abuse and neglect of a minor, regardless of whether you have a familial relationship with the child or the child is in your care;

Elder Abuse, which involves allegations of physical or sexual assault or other acts abuse and neglect of an elderly person, whether a family member, a friend, or someone you provide care for as part of your job;

Abuse of a Vulnerable Individual, which includes allegations of assault or other acts of abuse against someone who is either emotionally intellectually, or physically unable to defend themselves.

Under Section 3–607 of the Maryland Code, abuse crimes also include hazing, which involves recklessly or intentionally acting in a manner that subjects a student to the risk of bodily harm for the purpose of initiating them into school-related student organizations.

Charges and Penalties for Abuse Crimes In Maryland

The types of charges you are likely to face for theft fraud crimes depends on the specific type of crime committed, as well as other factors involved, including the individual or the institution the crime was committed against. Depending on the circumstances involved, you could be facing misdemeanor charges, which are for minor crimes involving potential jail sentences of one year or less. Other situations could find you facing more severe felony charges, with mandatory minimum jail sentences involving multiple years.

Hazing: This is a misdemeanor crime, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $500.

Abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult: This is a misdemeanor crime in the second degree, punishable by up to five years in jail and fines up to $5,000.

Sexual abuse and neglect or physical abuse of a vulnerable adult that results in serious injuries or death: This is a felony crime punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.

Abuse or neglect of a minor child: This is a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $5,000.

Sexual abuse of a minor child: This is a felony crime punishable by up to 25 years’ imprisonment.

It is important to understand that the above penalties are in addition to any other charges you face, such as criminal assault and battery, and the above sentences are set to run either concurrently or consecutively with any other criminal sentence you receive.

In cases involving domestic violence, these charges often stem out of Maryland family court proceedings. If a protection order is in place and you violate it in any way, you could face criminal charges with fines up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.

What Should I Do If I Am Arrested For An Abuse Crime?

Your first step once you are placed under arrest should be to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. We can help negotiate your release on bail, while attending any bond or arraignment hearings on your behalf. The court procedures you are required to follow depend on the nature of your charges:

If you are facing misdemeanor charges, your case will be prosecuted through the District Court and a judge will decide your case.

If you face felony theft fraud charges, your case will be handled by Maryland Circuit Court and a jury trial will be scheduled.

Regardless of the types of charges you face, it is vitally important to have an experienced lawyer by your side acting as a strong legal advocate, to ensure your rights and freedoms are protected.

We Can Help You with Your Case

If you are facing criminal charges as the result of an assault crime, contact the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr. today. Our legal team will work diligently on your behalf, investigating the circumstances surrounding your case, collecting evidence, and obtaining witness statements in your defense. Through his own practice and his previous experience with the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, Mr. Rice is respected in the legal community, and has the knowledge and expertise you need in this type of situation, and can assist you in getting the best possible results. We serve Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard, and Worcester Counties. Reach out to us today for a consultation on your case.

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"Great lawyer! I am so happy that I choose Randolph Rice to represent me for my case. I've used him in the past and he once again did everything he said he was going to do and more. He was understanding of my issue and he was always there to answer my questions and make me feel better about what I was going through. I would not hesitate in referring Mr. Rice to anyone that needs the best lawyer for their case. He returns phone calls, he listens and he works to make sure you get the best outcome, as he did in my case. Thank you again Mr. Rice!!!!"